Name change costs vary by state, county, and whether you hire a lawyer

The cost to change your name in court ranges from about $150 to $500 in most states, depending on where you live and what paperwork you file yourself versus paying someone else to handle. Court filing fees are set by your county clerk and typically run $200 to $300. If you hire a lawyer, add $500 to $2,000 or more. If you do the paperwork yourself, you pay only the court fee plus the cost of certified copies of your new name decree, which usually costs $10 to $25 per copy.

The biggest variable is whether you go through the court system at all. Some states let you change your name through a simplified process that costs less or nothing upfront. Other states require a full court petition. Your county clerk can tell you the exact fee for your location and whether a cheaper route exists in your state.

Key Takeaways

  • Court filing fees for a name change petition typically cost $200 to $300 and are set by your county, not the state.
  • Hiring a lawyer to handle the petition and court appearance adds $500 to $2,000 or more to the total cost.
  • You will need multiple certified copies of your name change decree to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and other documents, costing $10 to $25 per copy.
  • Some states offer simplified name change procedures that cost less than a full court petition, so check with your county clerk first.
  • The total out-of-pocket cost for a DIY name change is usually $200 to $400; with a lawyer, expect $1,000 to $2,500 or more.

Court filing fees by state and county

Your county clerk sets the filing fee, not your state. This means two counties in the same state can charge different amounts. Most counties charge between $200 and $350 to file a name change petition. Some rural counties charge as little as $100 to $150. Urban counties and states with higher court costs may charge $400 to $500.

Call your county clerk's office or visit their website to find the exact fee for your location. The clerk can also tell you whether your state allows a simplified procedure (sometimes called an administrative name change) that bypasses court and costs nothing or very little. A few states, including some counties in California and Texas, offer this option for certain situations.

The fee covers the court's processing of your petition and the judge's review. It does not include the cost of certified copies of your final decree, which you will need separately.

Certified copies and document updates

After the court approves your name change, you will receive a decree. You will need certified copies of this decree to update your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, bank accounts, and employer records. Each certified copy costs $10 to $25, depending on your county. Most people order 5 to 10 copies to cover all the documents they need to update.

Budget $50 to $250 just for certified copies. Some county clerks let you order copies in bulk at a slight discount. Ask when you file your petition how many copies you should order and whether bulk pricing is available.

After you have your certified copies, you will also need to pay fees to update individual documents. A new Social Security card is free. A new driver's license or state ID typically costs $20 to $50. A passport replacement costs $130 to $165 depending on whether you need expedited processing. These fees are separate from the name change court cost.

Hiring a lawyer versus doing it yourself

If you hire a lawyer to handle your name change, expect to pay $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on your location and the lawyer's hourly rate. Some lawyers charge a flat fee for a straightforward name change; others charge hourly. A lawyer's job is to prepare your petition, file it with the court, and represent you at the hearing if one is required.

Doing the paperwork yourself costs only the court filing fee plus certified copies. Most name change petitions are straightforward enough for someone without legal training to complete. Your county clerk's office often provides a blank petition form or a template you can read for free. Some counties have self-help centers that walk you through the process at no cost.

You should consider hiring a lawyer if your situation is complicated — for example, if you are changing a child's name and the other parent objects, or if you have a criminal record and are concerned about how the court will view your petition. For a straightforward adult name change with no objections, most people save money by filing the paperwork themselves.

Fees for name changes involving minors

The court filing fee for changing a minor's name is usually the same as for an adult, $200 to $350. However, if both parents do not agree, you may need to hire a lawyer to argue your case in court, which raises the cost significantly. Some judges require a hearing even when both parents agree, while others approve the petition on paper alone.

If you are changing a child's name after a divorce or custody change, check whether the custody order already gives you the right to change the child's name. Some orders do; others require you to go back to court for permission first. Your family law lawyer or the court clerk can tell you whether a separate petition is needed.

Fee waivers if you cannot afford the court cost

If you cannot afford the court filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it. Most courts have a form called a "fee waiver request" or "motion to waive fees" that you fill out and submit with your name change petition. You will need to describe your income and expenses to show the court that paying the fee would cause you hardship.

Courts approve most fee waiver requests for people with low income. There is no cost to ask, and the court cannot deny your petition just because you requested a waiver. If the court denies your waiver request, you can appeal the decision or ask the court to let you pay the fee in installments.

Your county clerk or a legal aid organization in your area can provide the fee waiver form and explain how to fill it out. Many legal aid offices help people with name changes for free or at low cost if you meet their income limits.

Additional costs you might encounter

If the court requires you to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper (some states do, some do not), you will pay the newspaper's publication fee, typically $50 to $200. The newspaper handles the publication for you once you provide the notice text; you do not need to do anything except pay the bill.

If you need to update documents in another state — for example, if you own property in a different state — you may need to file your name change decree with that state's court or land records office. This usually costs $20 to $100 per state. For most people, a certified copy of your home state's decree is enough to update documents nationwide.

Some people also pay for a name change service or document preparation company to fill out the forms for them. These services typically charge $100 to $300 and are cheaper than hiring a lawyer but more expensive than doing it yourself. They are useful if you find the paperwork confusing but do not need legal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name without going to court?

In a few states and counties, you can change your name through an administrative process that does not require a court petition. California, Texas, and some other states offer this option. Check with your county clerk to see if your location has a simplified procedure. If not, you must file a court petition.

How many certified copies of my name change decree should I order?

Order at least 5 to 10 copies. You will need one for Social Security, one for your driver's license, one for your passport, and one for your employer or bank. Having extras prevents you from having to order more later. Extra copies cost only $10 to $25 each, so it is cheaper to order them all at once.

Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper?

It depends on your state. Some states require newspaper publication; others do not. A few states let you skip publication if you can show good cause, such as safety concerns. Your county clerk will tell you whether publication is required in your location and what the newspaper fee will be.

What if I cannot afford the filing fee?

You can ask the court to waive the fee by submitting a fee waiver request form. Courts approve most requests from people with low income. There is no cost to ask, and the court cannot deny your petition because you requested a waiver. Your county clerk can provide the form.

How long does a name change take, and does that affect the cost?

A name change usually takes 4 to 12 weeks from the time you file until you receive your final decree. The cost does not change based on how long it takes. If you need the decree faster, some courts offer expedited processing for an additional fee of $50 to $200, but this is rarely necessary for a routine name change.